Five of Prince's siblings in court for first hearing on his estate

Five of Prince's six surviving siblings appeared in court on Monday for the first hearing to start sorting out an estate certain to be worth millions, a task complicated because the star musician is not known to have left a will.

Tyka Nelson, centre, the sister of Prince, leaves the Carver County Courthouse (AP)

Five of Prince's six surviving siblings appeared in court on Monday for the first hearing to start sorting out an estate certain to be worth millions, a task complicated because the star musician is not known to have left a will.

In a hearing that lasted a little over 12 minutes, Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide formalised his appointment last week of Bremer Trust to handle matters involving the estate of Prince, who died suddenly last month aged 57.

Prince's sister, Tyka Nelson, requested the appointment so that the company can manage Prince's estate until an executor is named.

Mr Eide asked the packed courtroom whether anyone knew of a will, and the courtroom was silent. Lawyers for Bremer Trust said they had not found one but would keep looking.

"The court is not finding that there is no will, but that no will has yet been found," the judge said.

The hearing did not address how long the estate may take to settle or how much it is worth.

His property holdings alone in Minnesota, including his Paisley Park studios in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen, were worth about 27 million US dollars, but music industry experts say his earnings after death are likely to be far more.

Tyka Nelson is Prince's only full sibling. Four half-siblings - Alfred Jackson, Norrine Nelson, Sharon Nelson and Omarr Baker - were present. A fifth, John Nelson, did not attend.

Norrine Nelson and Sharon Nelson exchanged a hug in the courtroom, and family members chatted quietly. Tyka Nelson sat at a table between her two lawyers, while the four others sat side-by-side in the well, just behind their lawyers. None of the siblings commented afterwards.

Frank Wheaton, a lawyer for Alfred Jackson, said afterwards that the siblings were co-operating in settling the estate.

Prince pictured in 1986

(FILES) This file photo taken on March 15, 2004 shows, Inductee Prince performing a song of George Harrison along with Tom Petty after the late Beatle was inducted during the 19th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City. Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARYTIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on June 16, 1990 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / Bertrand GUAYBERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on June 16, 1990 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on May 4, 1994 shows musician Prince (R) acknowledging applause after receiving from Italian tenor Placido Domingo (L) the "Outstanding Contribution to the Pop Industry" award during the World Music Awards ceremony in Monaco.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / Patrick HERTZOGPATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 4, 2007 shows US musician Prince performing during half-time at Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts. Pop icon Prince -- one of the most influential but elusive figures in music -- died suddenly at his compound in Minnesota on April 21, 2016, a representative said. He was 57. / AFP PHOTO / JEFF HAYNES AND Roberto SCHMIDTJEFF HAYNES,ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 4, 2007 shows US musician Prince performing during half-time at Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts. Pop icon Prince -- one of the most influential but elusive figures in music -- died suddenly at his compound in Minnesota on April 21, 2016, a representative said. He was 57. / AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDTROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

This June 7, 1984 photo, Prince performs in Minneapolis. Prince, widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry," was found dead at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in suburban Minneapolis, according to his publicist. He was 57. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT

This June 7, 1984 photo, Prince performs in Minneapolis. Prince, widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry," was found dead at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in suburban Minneapolis, according to his publicist. He was 57. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT

In this March 17, 1983 photo, Prince appears at the Met Center in Minneapolis. Prince, widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry," was found dead at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in suburban Minneapolis, according to his publicist. He was 57. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT

In this Dec. 25, 1984 photo, Prince performs at St. Paul Civic Center in St. Paul, Minn. Prince, widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry," was found dead at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in suburban Minneapolis, according to his publicist. He was 57. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT

This May 1, 1990 photo, Prince performs a benefit in memory of ex-bodyguard Chick Huntsberry in Minneapolis. Prince, widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry," was found dead at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in suburban Minneapolis, according to his publicist. He was 57. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT

In this May 2, 1990 photo Prince performs a benefit concert for the family of Charles (Big Chick) Huntsberry in Minneapolis. Prince, widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including "Little Red Corvette," ''Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry," was found dead at his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in suburban Minneapolis, according to his publicist. He was 57. (David Brewster/Star Tribune via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES LOCAL TELEVISION OUT

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 26, 2005 shows, Performer Prince arrivING for the 77th Academy Awards 27 February, 2005, at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on August 25, 1986 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Zenith venue in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GEORGEPASCAL GEORGE/AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on August 21, 1998 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / Bertrand GUAYBERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on August 25, 1986 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Zenith venue in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GEORGEPASCAL GEORGE/AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on June 17, 1987 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Bercy venue in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / Bertrand GUAYBERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images

This photo taken on June 17, 1987 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Bercy venue in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died on April 21, 2016 at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / Bertrand GUAYBERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images

This black and white photo taken on June 17, 1987 shows musician Prince performing onstage during his concert at the Bercy venue in Paris.
Pop icon Prince -- whose pioneering brand of danceable funk made him one of music's most influential figures -- died Thursday at his compound in Minnesota. He was 57. The announcement came just a week after the Grammy and Oscar winner was taken to hospital with a bad bout of influenza, although he made light of his health problems after the scare.
/ AFP PHOTO / Bertrand GUAYBERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images

File photo dated 14/11/06 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Johnny Green/PA Wire

File photo dated 25/02/97 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire

File photo dated 17/09/88 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

File photo dated 10/08/88 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PA

File photo dated 24/02/97 of Prince arriving at the Brit Awards in London, as the singer has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

File photo dated 12/02/85 of Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

File photo dated 20/09/95 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire

File photo dated 25/02/07 of singer Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 28: ***EXCLUSIVE*** Musician Prince performs his first of three shows onstage during "One Night... Three Venues" hosted by Prince and Lotusflow3r.com held at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on March 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Lotusflow3r.com)

File photo dated 02/10/02 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Tim Whitby/PA Wire

File photo dated 08/05/07 of singer Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

File photo dated 20/09/95 of Prince, who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire

File photo dated 15/02/06 of Prince performing on stage at the Brit Awards, as the singer has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

File photo dated 15/02/06 of Prince performing on stage at the Brit Awards, as the singer has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 04: Prince performs during the "Pepsi Halftime Show" at Super Bowl XLI between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears on February 4, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 04: Prince performs during the "Pepsi Halftime Show" at Super Bowl XLI between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears on February 4, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 6: Singer Prince (R) and his wife Manuela Testolini sit in the audience at the 35th Annual NAACP Image Awards held at the Universal Amphitheatre, March 6, 2004 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. HOLLYWOOD - FEBRUARY 27: Singer Prince and Manuela Testolini arrive at the 77th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 27, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Singer Prince walks on stage during the 77th Annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2005 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. LOS ANGELES - MARCH 19: Musician Prince performs onstage at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 19, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. NEW ORLEANS - JULY 2: Prince performs at the 10th Anniversary Essence Music Festival at the Superdome on July 2, 2004 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 9: Musician Prince presents the award for "Favorite Leading Lady" onstage during the 31st Annual People's Choice Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on January 9, 2005 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

File photo dated 09/06/99 of Prince, with his former wife Mayte Garcia, as the singer has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2010 file photo, musician Prince performs in Yas Island, on the final night of the F1 motor race meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Prince's publicist has confirmed that Prince died at his his home, Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 57. (AP Photo/Nousha Salimi, File)

FILE - In this April 10, 1997 file photo, Prince performs a medley of "Take Me With U" and "Rasberry Beret" at the 4th annual VH1 Honors in Universal City, Calif. Prince's publicist has confirmed that Prince died at his home in Minnesota, Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 57. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 1985 file photo, Prince performs in concert at Riverfront Coliseum during his Purple Rain Tour in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prince's publicist has confirmed that Prince died at his his home in Minnesota, Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 57. (AP Photo/Rob Burns, File)

FILE - In this April 26, 2008 file photo, Prince performs during the second day of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. Prince's publicist has confirmed that Prince died at his his home, Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 57. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 1985 file photo, Prince performs before a sold-out audience, in Houston. Prince's publicist has confirmed that Prince died at his his home in Minnesota, Thursday, April 21, 2016. He was 57. (AP Photo/F. Carter Smith, File)

File photo dated 08/05/07 of singer Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

File photo dated 08/05/07 of singer Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

File photo dated 15/08/07 of singer Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

File photo dated 08/05/07 of singer Prince who has died at the age of 57, his publicist said. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, where his recording studio is located early on Thursday. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. MIAMI - FEBRUARY 01: Musician Prince performs during the Super Bowl XLI Half-Time Press Conference at the Miami Convention Center on February 1, 2007 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

FILE - 21 APRIL 2016: Musician Prince has reportedly Died at 57 on April 21, 2016. LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Musician Prince speaks onstage during the 2015 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 09, 2013 shows Musician Prince speaks onstage at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Pop icon Prince -- one of the most influential but elusive figures in music -- has died at his compound in Minnesota, entertainment website TMZ reported on April 21, 2016, citing unnamed sources. Local authorities said a death investigation was underway at Prince's Paisley Park complex, but did not give the identity of the fatality.
/ AFP PHOTO / KEVORK DJANSEZIANKEVORK DJANSEZIAN/AFP/Getty Images

File photo dated 12/08/86 of Prince Rogers Nelson, known by his mononym Prince, who has died at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, according to celebrity website TMZ. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

(FILES) This file photo taken on June 30, 2011 shows US singer and musician Prince performing on stage at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. Pop icon Prince -- one of the most influential but elusive figures in music -- has died at his compound in Minnesota, entertainment website TMZ reported on April 21, 2016, citing unnamed sources. Local authorities said a death investigation was underway at Prince's Paisley Park complex, but did not give the identity of the fatality.
/ AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND GUAYBERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images

File photo dated 12/08/86 of Prince Rogers Nelson, known by his mononym Prince, who has died at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, according to celebrity website TMZ. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 10, 2013 shows musician Prince as he presents the winner for Record of the Year during the 55th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. Pop icon Prince -- one of the most influential but elusive figures in music -- has died at his compound in Minnesota, entertainment website TMZ reported on April 21, 2016, citing unnamed sources. Local authorities said a death investigation was underway at Prince's Paisley Park complex, but did not give the identity of the fatality.
/ AFP PHOTO / JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images

File photo dated 12/08/86 of Prince Rogers Nelson, known by his mononym Prince, who has died at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, according to celebrity website TMZ. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

File photo dated 12/08/86 of Prince Rogers Nelson, known by his mononym Prince, who has died at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, according to celebrity website TMZ. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

File photo dated 12/08/86 of Prince Rogers Nelson, known by his mononym Prince, who has died at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota, according to celebrity website TMZ. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday April 21, 2016. See PA story DEATH Prince. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2015 file photo, Prince presents the award for favorite album - soul/R&B at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Authorities are investigating a death at Paisley Park, where pop superstar Prince has his recording studios. Jason Kamerud, Carver County chief sheriff's deputy, tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the investigation began on Thursday morning, April 21, 2016. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

"Everyone is in full accord," he said.

Even if all the heirs really are in agreement, it is going to take a long time to settle the estate, Judith Younger, a University of Minnesota law professor who is not involved in the case, told The Associated Press.

Other claimants are likely to come forward, any disagreements with tax authorities over the value of the estate could result in litigation, and Minnesota courts have not settled yet whether the rights to someone's likeness, such as Prince's, can be inherited.

"It a real mess that he left behind," she said.

It is also possible that a will could turn up and that it could lead to fights over its validity, Ms Younger said.

"I find it so hard to believe," Ms Younger said, noting how careful Prince was to keep control of his music and other business affairs. "How can there not be a will?"

Susan Link, a Minneapolis estate lawyer not involved in the case, said she does not think any of the lawyers involved will "fan the fire" of any discord among the siblings and that their decision last week to sit the siblings down together was a good move. If the siblings cannot agree, the personal representative will be going to court a lot, she said.

A law enforcement official said investigators are looking into whether Prince, who was found dead at his home on April 21, died from an overdose and whether a doctor was prescribing him drugs in the weeks beforehand.

Mr Eide did not set a date for future proceedings. But he noted the intense interest in the case, as reflected by the throng of media and lawyers inside and outside what would normally be a quiet suburban courtroom.

"We're not used to this much notoriety in Carver County," the judge said.